Vol. 468 No. 1
43 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine when it is proposed to approve further projects for inland fisheries development under the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14427/96]
Forty nine projects representing an investment of over £6.5 million have been approved to date under the tourism angling measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism. The latest tranche of projects was approved in March of this year and I hope to be in a position to announce a further round of successful projects this month.
44 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine the total funding that will be provided for the development of inland fisheries in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14428/96]
The total funding provided for inland fisheries in 1996 is £13.8 million of which £9.5 million goes towards financing the operations of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards and the costs of the Foyle Fisheries Commission. A sum of £0.680 million has been provided towards proposed expenditure by the boards and the Foyle Fisheries Commission on salmon protection equipment and related running costs. A total of £2.8 million has been allocated towards development projects under the tourism angling measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism and a further £700,000 will support fisheries investment projects under the INTERREG Programme. Additional funding for inland fisheries development in Border counties is also expected to be made available shortly under the Peace and Reconciliation Support Programme.
